I continue to run because it continues to be easy and in part that is the truth. However, I left out the other reason I continue to run. My motivation for continuing to run – day in and day out, why I want to a life-long runner, and want to be the woman who runs through pregnancy and kids in jog strollers and gray hair – is vanity.
As a disclaimer: I am not the runner who brags incessantly about my running and racing but I am exceedingly proud of my running. I may not bring up running in every conversation but if it does come up, I have a hard time turning off the desire to going on and on about the races I have coming up, the races I’ve done, the races I dream of running, my times, and my training.
I love being the girl in the office who runs marathons and runs to work on a weekly basis. It makes me very proud that “runner” is a label people use to describe me. I may not walk up to people and introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Becki. I’m a runner and I run marathons” but that doesn’t mean I don’t relish it when other people introduce me that way.
Part of the reason I wake up and hit the pavement before the sun comes up every morning is because there is a chance someone might ask me, “did you run today” and I hate saying “no.” The reason I run today is so that I am able to run through the milestones I mentioned earlier – pregnancy, kids, gray hair. I want to be the little old lady who’s winning age group awards for the 71-79 category.
This makes it sound like I run for other people, and that is obviously part of my truth; however, I also run for my own selfish reasons.
Running makes me feel good. It makes me feel accomplished and satisfied. Running makes me look better and more confident. I weight less, smaller sizes fit me, I eat better but can allow myself to eat worse, and I can run faster and farther than I could when I started. All of this is a result of running and I hate to think of it going away if I stop.
I’m running scared but I am running.
In some ways I hate admitting this last reason for running because I continue running for all of the “right” reasons – I love the feeling of gliding along the bike path before the sun comes up, I am proud to have trained for, started and finished 3 marathons, I feel powerful and strong after a good, hard workout, and the self-esteem boost at seeing my times improve; these are all unbeatable and not for vain reasons.
However, it is important to me to realize that I can turn these “ugly” motivators in to a beautiful run. I may start out thinking of what other people think but after the first mile or so I am running under my own power, for my own reasons. Vanity may get me out of bed but the love running is what keeps me going.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Part II – Why I Run? Because I Can.
It may have been my Dad and other influences as a child that provided an introduction to running; however, the reason I actually started running is because of how easy it was to start.
For years, I had been bemoaning the fact that I didn’t have a hobby. I didn’t collect anything or do anything through which I was able to feel comfortable defining myself. I am reader and I enjoy movies and I love being active but I wasn’t passionate about any of these things. When I’m not reading a book, I’m not finding out about the next good book or following an author’s every action. I am a fan of movies and certain actors but again, I don’t have the interest to keep tabs on the industry.
I didn’t have a passion in life, something that was mine, something through which I could explain parts of me. But, I wanted one.
When the idea to run a marathon to celebrate my 26th birthday entered my head, the reason I followed through with that crazy idea was because running was something I could already do. It was easy. I could run at the time and all I had to do was run longer.
This isn’t to say that I think running is easy; however, it is an incredibly easy sport to start. All I needed was comfortable shoes and clothes and I could go out and run. I read books. I read magazines. I read and consulted online forums. As I increased my running I was able to increase my knowledge of running. I didn’t need a coach. I didn’t need any fancy equipment. I didn’t need a team. I just needed me and the singular aspect of long-distance running appeals to me.
Of course, I made mistakes and learned loads of things (and continue to do both) but I had all the resources at my fingertips to correct what was wrong and continue running.
I am passionate about running. I read about it and write about it when I’m not actually running. I continue to run because it continues to be easy.
Daily Dozen:
4.61 miles @ easy pace
For years, I had been bemoaning the fact that I didn’t have a hobby. I didn’t collect anything or do anything through which I was able to feel comfortable defining myself. I am reader and I enjoy movies and I love being active but I wasn’t passionate about any of these things. When I’m not reading a book, I’m not finding out about the next good book or following an author’s every action. I am a fan of movies and certain actors but again, I don’t have the interest to keep tabs on the industry.
I didn’t have a passion in life, something that was mine, something through which I could explain parts of me. But, I wanted one.
When the idea to run a marathon to celebrate my 26th birthday entered my head, the reason I followed through with that crazy idea was because running was something I could already do. It was easy. I could run at the time and all I had to do was run longer.
This isn’t to say that I think running is easy; however, it is an incredibly easy sport to start. All I needed was comfortable shoes and clothes and I could go out and run. I read books. I read magazines. I read and consulted online forums. As I increased my running I was able to increase my knowledge of running. I didn’t need a coach. I didn’t need any fancy equipment. I didn’t need a team. I just needed me and the singular aspect of long-distance running appeals to me.
Of course, I made mistakes and learned loads of things (and continue to do both) but I had all the resources at my fingertips to correct what was wrong and continue running.
I am passionate about running. I read about it and write about it when I’m not actually running. I continue to run because it continues to be easy.
Daily Dozen:
4.61 miles @ easy pace
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Why I Run: An Answer in Three Parts
I’ve recently been trying to answer the following two questions: Why did I start running? and Why do I continue running? To me, the answer to these two questions is the same. The reasons I started running are the same reasons I continue to run. Instead of these two separate questions, I choose to answer the single question, Why I Run.
Part I – Why I Run? My Dad.
The first part of this answer starts when I was a little kid.
Sure, I ran around as a kid. I ran on the playground. I ran on the T-ball field and I ran on the soccer field. This isn’t to say I was a runner but rather that all little kids run. On top of this, all little kids enjoy running. Watch a little kid’s face as he or she chases after you. Running is fun. Yet, it wasn’t something I was conscious of as something people “do.”
For me, the notion of running as something a person “does” wasn’t planted on the playground or the sports field. It started at home and on the surrounding streets.
I remember, distinctly remember, my Dad going out for runs on occasion. He would suit up in his sweatshirts and head out the door. He would come back sweaty and tired. I don’t remember a time when I actually saw him running but I remember the before and after.
Now, I can’t even tell you if he went out for runs with any sort of regularity but I was drawn to the idea of just going out for a run. I was fascinated that this was something that people did, “went out for runs.” My Dad planted the seed of running.
Later, or perhaps at the same time, I don’t know, I encountered running again through a woman in the neighborhood. This woman was the mother of some kids in the neighborhood and I remember she started running after she and the father separated. I must have been in 5th or 6th grade, waiting with all of the other kids in the neighborhood at the bus stop, and I started noticing her slipping out of her house and starting her runs before the school bus came to pick us kids up. If the timing was right, I’d often notice her again as we rode by in the school bus, always amazed at how far down the road she had run.
Did she run everyday? In my memory she did but I can’t be sure. Was the separation or divorce the cause? I have linked the two in my mind. I do remember that she continued to run. I would still see her running out of the neighborhood when I was in middle school and even in high school. I don’t even know how far she ran. Was it always the same mileage, the same route? Was she training for something? I don’t know the answers and I never even thought to ask these questions. It didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter now.
What does matter is that once again, I was fascinated. Runners, with their consistency and habit and simplicity, intrigue me. To this day, I feel the same inexplicable envy and fascination seeing people out for their runs that I felt seeing my Dad go out to run or the woman from my neighborhood running down the street.
As a kid, observing these adults running struck something in me that I have trouble explaining. Whatever it was wasn’t strong, it took me many, many years before running would become a habit for me and something through which I define myself. However, it was lasting.
Daily Dozen
40 minutes recumbent bike @ lunch hour
Part I – Why I Run? My Dad.
The first part of this answer starts when I was a little kid.
Sure, I ran around as a kid. I ran on the playground. I ran on the T-ball field and I ran on the soccer field. This isn’t to say I was a runner but rather that all little kids run. On top of this, all little kids enjoy running. Watch a little kid’s face as he or she chases after you. Running is fun. Yet, it wasn’t something I was conscious of as something people “do.”
For me, the notion of running as something a person “does” wasn’t planted on the playground or the sports field. It started at home and on the surrounding streets.
I remember, distinctly remember, my Dad going out for runs on occasion. He would suit up in his sweatshirts and head out the door. He would come back sweaty and tired. I don’t remember a time when I actually saw him running but I remember the before and after.
Now, I can’t even tell you if he went out for runs with any sort of regularity but I was drawn to the idea of just going out for a run. I was fascinated that this was something that people did, “went out for runs.” My Dad planted the seed of running.
Later, or perhaps at the same time, I don’t know, I encountered running again through a woman in the neighborhood. This woman was the mother of some kids in the neighborhood and I remember she started running after she and the father separated. I must have been in 5th or 6th grade, waiting with all of the other kids in the neighborhood at the bus stop, and I started noticing her slipping out of her house and starting her runs before the school bus came to pick us kids up. If the timing was right, I’d often notice her again as we rode by in the school bus, always amazed at how far down the road she had run.
Did she run everyday? In my memory she did but I can’t be sure. Was the separation or divorce the cause? I have linked the two in my mind. I do remember that she continued to run. I would still see her running out of the neighborhood when I was in middle school and even in high school. I don’t even know how far she ran. Was it always the same mileage, the same route? Was she training for something? I don’t know the answers and I never even thought to ask these questions. It didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter now.
What does matter is that once again, I was fascinated. Runners, with their consistency and habit and simplicity, intrigue me. To this day, I feel the same inexplicable envy and fascination seeing people out for their runs that I felt seeing my Dad go out to run or the woman from my neighborhood running down the street.
As a kid, observing these adults running struck something in me that I have trouble explaining. Whatever it was wasn’t strong, it took me many, many years before running would become a habit for me and something through which I define myself. However, it was lasting.
Daily Dozen
40 minutes recumbent bike @ lunch hour
Friday, July 17, 2009
Run Commute
This morning I ran to work. I commuted on the power of my own to two feet. I’ve run home from work on multiple occasions but this is the first time I attempted to commute the other way.
The Short Story: I woke up. I ran from home to work. I made it.
The Story with more Details: My first impression of becoming a run commuter is that it is all about logistics. Before I stepped out of the door this morning, I had to consider how to get from home to work with everything I would need for the day – shower stuff (towel, soap, etc.), work clothes including shoes, and lunch. Shower stuff and clothes for work I brought to work the previous day and I decided to pack my lunch in my Camelbak (without the bladder) and carry it with me on the run.
My second impression is that was humid this morning. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got to work and there is no way I could commute this way without having a shower available at work. I might have to start carrying a water bottle with me as well throughout the summer, which may look a little weird since I have a Camelbak as well. I made it to work just fine without water during the run but it would have been nice.
The run itself went well. My legs felt a little tired this morning, which was a bummer because I was looking forward to a really good run on my first run commute, but it was a good run nonetheless. I love the route I ran – east on the Custis Bike Trail, scoot through Rosslyn over to the Iwo Jima Memorial and around Arlington National Cemetary, across the Memorial Bridge to DC the Lincoln Memorial getting closer, in front of Lincoln overlooking the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, up the north side of the Mall past the Vietnam Memorial, the Constitutional Gardens, the World War II Memorial, the Ellipse and White House, past the American History, Natural History and National Archives buildings, finally leaving the Mall and scooting over Pennsylvania Avenue on to Chinatown and finally work.
Regardless of how many times I run in DC it always strikes me as an amazing experience to run through so much history on a regular basis. My commute reminded me how lucky I am.
I had allotted myself 2 hours to get to work but the 7.6 miles only took me 1 hour 20 minutes. I had plenty of time to drop my pack at my desk, go down to the gym to stretch jump in the shower to get cleaned up and then get dressed for work. Even with all of that, I was still 30 minutes early to work.
Maybe I’ll let myself sleep in a bit longer next week. Or, maybe I’ll just take a longer route!
My intention is to run commute once a week, usually Fridays. I love the idea of it – the self-sufficiency and “fringe-element” aspects. I love the anticipation and preparation that has to go in to pulling it off. I’m looking forward to next week.
Daily Dozen:
7.6 miles run commute to work
The Short Story: I woke up. I ran from home to work. I made it.
The Story with more Details: My first impression of becoming a run commuter is that it is all about logistics. Before I stepped out of the door this morning, I had to consider how to get from home to work with everything I would need for the day – shower stuff (towel, soap, etc.), work clothes including shoes, and lunch. Shower stuff and clothes for work I brought to work the previous day and I decided to pack my lunch in my Camelbak (without the bladder) and carry it with me on the run.
My second impression is that was humid this morning. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got to work and there is no way I could commute this way without having a shower available at work. I might have to start carrying a water bottle with me as well throughout the summer, which may look a little weird since I have a Camelbak as well. I made it to work just fine without water during the run but it would have been nice.
The run itself went well. My legs felt a little tired this morning, which was a bummer because I was looking forward to a really good run on my first run commute, but it was a good run nonetheless. I love the route I ran – east on the Custis Bike Trail, scoot through Rosslyn over to the Iwo Jima Memorial and around Arlington National Cemetary, across the Memorial Bridge to DC the Lincoln Memorial getting closer, in front of Lincoln overlooking the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, up the north side of the Mall past the Vietnam Memorial, the Constitutional Gardens, the World War II Memorial, the Ellipse and White House, past the American History, Natural History and National Archives buildings, finally leaving the Mall and scooting over Pennsylvania Avenue on to Chinatown and finally work.
Regardless of how many times I run in DC it always strikes me as an amazing experience to run through so much history on a regular basis. My commute reminded me how lucky I am.
I had allotted myself 2 hours to get to work but the 7.6 miles only took me 1 hour 20 minutes. I had plenty of time to drop my pack at my desk, go down to the gym to stretch jump in the shower to get cleaned up and then get dressed for work. Even with all of that, I was still 30 minutes early to work.
Maybe I’ll let myself sleep in a bit longer next week. Or, maybe I’ll just take a longer route!
My intention is to run commute once a week, usually Fridays. I love the idea of it – the self-sufficiency and “fringe-element” aspects. I love the anticipation and preparation that has to go in to pulling it off. I’m looking forward to next week.
Daily Dozen:
7.6 miles run commute to work
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
In Good Company
I enjoy running by myself. I love my early morning runs especially when the sun has not quite come up and there is no one else on the bike paths. It feels like those moments, the path, the entire day belongs to me and no one else. I indulge my inner two year old on these runs; I’m usually just not willing to share.
However, I’ve made some exceptions lately and I have to say, it’s been nice.
Last Friday, while my parents were visiting, my Mom borrowed my bike and tagged along on my run. We hit the bike path early, the sun not entirely up and set off – mother on bike, daughter on feet. We chatted every so often but we spent more time with her riding slowly behind me, me leading the way – 2 miles out, 2 miles back.
It was fun. I felt proud to have my Mom tag along; proud that she wanted to actively glimpse into my running world. She has been a staunch supporter of my running since I began, asking about my runs, how I was feeling, what races I had coming up and cheering loudly from the sidelines at my races when she could. However, this time, on our morning adventure, I was truly letting her in to my world. She experienced all those early morning things I love about my run – the quiet, the occasional passing cyclist or runner, the sun brightening the day the longer we were out, the exhilaration of starting the day with a good workout.
Now when I tell her about my runs, she can picture me running my hills, following the bike path among the trees, the brief moments when no cars are zooming down Route 66 and you can imagine you’ve somehow run far away from the city in just a short time. Now we have a shared experience that goes beyond just that single run.
Additionally, a friend who recently completed her first marathon and I have been meeting up once a week in the evenings for a workout. These days are usually doubles for since I’ve already run in the morning but I’ve really enjoyed the experience of running with her. Even though her running pace is only slightly slower than mine, she is still working on her endurance and following a run/walk pattern. She wants to get stronger so she enjoys running with me because I push her to run longer and I enjoy the company and treat these outings as recovery runs.
I’m still selfish about my running but it has been rewarding sharing it with people who understand it. I can’t say I’m ready to give up all my lone runs but I would also be disappointed if I didn’t have someone to share these experiences with every now and again.
Daily Dozen
Recovery Day – Light workout on Recumbent Bike & stretching @ lunch hour
However, I’ve made some exceptions lately and I have to say, it’s been nice.
Last Friday, while my parents were visiting, my Mom borrowed my bike and tagged along on my run. We hit the bike path early, the sun not entirely up and set off – mother on bike, daughter on feet. We chatted every so often but we spent more time with her riding slowly behind me, me leading the way – 2 miles out, 2 miles back.
It was fun. I felt proud to have my Mom tag along; proud that she wanted to actively glimpse into my running world. She has been a staunch supporter of my running since I began, asking about my runs, how I was feeling, what races I had coming up and cheering loudly from the sidelines at my races when she could. However, this time, on our morning adventure, I was truly letting her in to my world. She experienced all those early morning things I love about my run – the quiet, the occasional passing cyclist or runner, the sun brightening the day the longer we were out, the exhilaration of starting the day with a good workout.
Now when I tell her about my runs, she can picture me running my hills, following the bike path among the trees, the brief moments when no cars are zooming down Route 66 and you can imagine you’ve somehow run far away from the city in just a short time. Now we have a shared experience that goes beyond just that single run.
Additionally, a friend who recently completed her first marathon and I have been meeting up once a week in the evenings for a workout. These days are usually doubles for since I’ve already run in the morning but I’ve really enjoyed the experience of running with her. Even though her running pace is only slightly slower than mine, she is still working on her endurance and following a run/walk pattern. She wants to get stronger so she enjoys running with me because I push her to run longer and I enjoy the company and treat these outings as recovery runs.
I’m still selfish about my running but it has been rewarding sharing it with people who understand it. I can’t say I’m ready to give up all my lone runs but I would also be disappointed if I didn’t have someone to share these experiences with every now and again.
Daily Dozen
Recovery Day – Light workout on Recumbent Bike & stretching @ lunch hour
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Born to Run
This morning I ran a hilly out-and-back, round-trip 5 miles at a fast pace (being sure to charge up the hills - no slacking off). It was a great run. My legs felt light and easy. I was focused and determined to tackle the hills with strength and power.
I was exhausted by the end of it but in a good way - in that heart pounding, grasping for air, muscles burning kind of way. In short, I felt proud.
After taking a few weeks off from running after the Vermont City marathon, and slowly adding miles to my weekly total, my running has been exhilarating and strong. I'm enjoying my runs in ways I never have before - thrilled to be outside and running
I recently finished reading the book, Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I feel very inspired by the book and it has shown in my running. The book is about a tribe of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara who are known for their running endurance. Reading about this cultures love of running made me realize that not only should I enjoy how I feel after a run but also I should be having fun while running. This isn't something I've strived for, as contradictory as that sounds.
I hit the bike paths each more thinking, OK, Becki 5 miles to go today, if I get it done, I can be proud to have started the day in such a positive way. The reward was the result not the run.
Reading Born To Run made me realize how misguided that thinking could be - why run if you don't enjoy the act of running, the author seemed be asking me. Why don't you have smile on your face while you cruise the paths of Arlington? Why is it that the smile only appears once you've stopped running?
The author had additional reasons to write about the Tarahumara but this is the thing that struck a chord for me - enjoy the run. I like how simple that is. Just enjoy the run – back straight, eyes scanning the horizon, hips forward, arms pumping like pistons, feet barely skimming the ground, kicking toward my butt as my knees circle forward all with a smile on my face. Enjoy the run. I've taken this sentiment to heart the past few runs and it seems to suit me well.
This morning's run was so much fun that I was disappointed to see it end, I wanted to keep running. That’s how I should feel at the end of all my runs – happy, exhausted and craving more.
Today's Daily Dozen:
5 hilly miles @ tempo
I was exhausted by the end of it but in a good way - in that heart pounding, grasping for air, muscles burning kind of way. In short, I felt proud.
After taking a few weeks off from running after the Vermont City marathon, and slowly adding miles to my weekly total, my running has been exhilarating and strong. I'm enjoying my runs in ways I never have before - thrilled to be outside and running
I recently finished reading the book, Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I feel very inspired by the book and it has shown in my running. The book is about a tribe of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara who are known for their running endurance. Reading about this cultures love of running made me realize that not only should I enjoy how I feel after a run but also I should be having fun while running. This isn't something I've strived for, as contradictory as that sounds.
I hit the bike paths each more thinking, OK, Becki 5 miles to go today, if I get it done, I can be proud to have started the day in such a positive way. The reward was the result not the run.
Reading Born To Run made me realize how misguided that thinking could be - why run if you don't enjoy the act of running, the author seemed be asking me. Why don't you have smile on your face while you cruise the paths of Arlington? Why is it that the smile only appears once you've stopped running?
The author had additional reasons to write about the Tarahumara but this is the thing that struck a chord for me - enjoy the run. I like how simple that is. Just enjoy the run – back straight, eyes scanning the horizon, hips forward, arms pumping like pistons, feet barely skimming the ground, kicking toward my butt as my knees circle forward all with a smile on my face. Enjoy the run. I've taken this sentiment to heart the past few runs and it seems to suit me well.
This morning's run was so much fun that I was disappointed to see it end, I wanted to keep running. That’s how I should feel at the end of all my runs – happy, exhausted and craving more.
Today's Daily Dozen:
5 hilly miles @ tempo
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